SCHOOLS and the social services topped a Rhymney Valley poll to find how the council should be spending their money.

The poll, conducted by Caerphilly County Borough Council and distributed in magazine Newsline, reached 8,000 households across the borough in a bid to let the public have their say before the budget begins to take shape.

The survey revealed that the main areas people wanted increased spending are school buildings, equipment and teachers, adult services within Social Services and children’s services within Social Services.

The departments that many felt needed less of the budget included Performance and Policy, ICT and property, Economic Development, Tourism and European Affairs.

With councillors, trade unions and panel members contributing, Director of Corporate Services Nigel Barnett said it will be more than just lip service.

“It is always important to reflect the value placed on the results of such an exercise,” he said.

“As the budget is developed we will look back at the results to ensure we are bearing these in mind as in our conclusions.”